The Prime Minister is said to be asking the former American police chief Bill Bratton for advice on handling London and other city gangs who are supposed to have encouraged the recent riots.

British police chiefs have criticised this measure, although some of the area chiefs are said to have listened his advice in the past.

The population of New York is just over eight million and of London just over seven million, similar numbers.

The American chief, Bill Bratton, with his hard line tactics was able to reduce the amount of gang crime in New York to a similar level which now appertains in London.

Bill Bratton and Boris Johnson know each other well.

The London Lord Mayor said that it was achieved by increasing the New York police force, who are armed, from 30,000 to 42,000 personnel.

Whatever parts of these tactics are attempted, if afforded, by the British police, there will be the “human rights” and other European Union restrictions, which do not similarly apply in American Law, to overcome.

J Beisly, Osprey Close, York.